There, on a Wednesday morning, was the mayor playing a polka-dotted piano at the foot of the Vancouver Art Gallery steps as traditional Mexican dancers spun and twirled in the sunshine.

It was the launch of another season of Viv a Vancouver, a city-sponsored program that aims to liven up the downtown streets by encouraging public gatherings with offers of music, dance, art and a celebration of global culture.

“Every weekend, we are going to see a wide array of action on the streets,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said of 2013’s expanded programming.

Viva is the “made in Vancouver” version of the vibrant town squares and festivals that define the greatest city centres around the world, from Europe to Latin America.

As it was last year, the Granville mall is expected to be a hub of activity, with events every weekend until Labour Day, such as Latincouver, a bike rodeo and Taiwanfest

This year’s programming expands to Yaletown, Marpole and the West End in the form of farmer’s markets, painted crosswalks and street murals, with new “parklets” — parking spaces converted into public seating — springing up in various locations to encourage public gathering.

Charles Gauthier, head of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) said local merchants were initially reluctant to embrace the Viva concept and were worried that street closures and changes to traffic patterns would be bad for business.

The attitude has since shifted to one of wide support with the popularity of the events translating into a bump in sales, he said.

Gauthier said association members are also solidly behind a city proposal to both expand outdoor restaurant and bar patio space and extend the hours patios can stay open during the summer.

Robertson said the city is working to identify neighbourhoods where more relaxed patio bylaws will be embraced by local business and residents. In the past, the two groups have sometimes clashed over noise and rowdy patrons.

Councillors are expected to raise the issue when it next meets this month, with plans to consult with various stakeholders before a decision is made.

Currently, the hours of operation for large patios are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The summer VIVA program is expected to cost the city $300,000 — the same as last year’s budget. Programs also receive support from the DVBIA and TransLink.

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